Pakistan introduces first environmental drone surveillance

Pakistan has introduced its first environmental drone surveillance system in Punjab to tackle air and environmental pollution. Led by the Environment Department, the project uses advanced drones with thermal imaging to monitor industrial activities from the sky.

A special drone surveillance company has been set up for this purpose, and the drones are already in action. Recently, they spotted three illegal pyrolysis plants operating in Lahore’s Mehmood Booti area. They also found four other industries polluting the environment and seized hundreds of carbon-filled sacks during the raid.

An official report has been prepared, and authorities have asked the responsible officers to explain the violations.

Environment Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh said this is a major step forward in monitoring pollution. He added that all industries and brick kilns will be mapped using drones, and even environmental officers’ performance will be checked through drone footage.

The department believes that this technology will help catch violators on the spot, fill gaps in monitoring, and make the system more accountable overall.